Former Manchester United Manager Solskjaer Joins Besiktas

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joins Turkish Side Besiktas as their new manager with a comeback to management since his last time at Manchester United.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Returns to Management as Besiktas Boss

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has officially returned to football management, taking the job at Turkish side Besiktas. The former Manchester United legend, who was without a coaching role since his departure from Old Trafford in November 2021, has signed an 18-month contract with the Istanbul club who sit 6th in the Super Lig table, keeping him at the club until June 2026.

The Norwegian arrives at Besiktas following a difficult period for the club as The Black Eagles, one of Turkey’s most decorated teams, are currently sixth in the Super Lig standings. Besiktas recently parted ways with Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst after an inconsistent start to the campaign where they have 30 points from 18 games. Solskjaer now faces the difficult task of stabilizing the team and reigniting their push for European qualification, a situation similar to his role at Manchester United where he came to steady the ship for the Manchester side when he replaced Jose Mourinho in March 2019. Interestingly Jose Mourinho is also managing in the Turkish Super Lig with Fenerbache.

Upon his arrival at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, Solskjaer was greeted warmly by Besiktas officials and passionate fans. All eager for a fresh start under the Norwegian’s leadership. Speaking to reporters, he expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead. “This is a fantastic club with a proud history and incredible supporters. I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of this great team,” he said.

Solskjaer’s coaching career has had its share of highs and lows. While his stint as Manchester United manager ended without silverware, he guided the club to a second place Premier League finish in 2020-21 and reached the UEFA Europa League final in the same season only to lose the final on penalties against Villareal. Before his time at United, Ole enjoyed success in Norway with Molde, leading the club to its first ever domestic league title and managing future stars like Erling Haaland.

Besiktas fans will hope Solskjaer’s arrival brings stability and a return to form. The club’s last league title came in 2020-21, and while they claimed the Turkish Super Cup last year, this season’s inconsistency has left them far off the top teams in the league. The fans expect the famous ‘Ole at the Wheel’ to spin out his magic and bring back the winning ways for Besiktas.

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